April 27, 2012

Bare Bones

Every step we take we should be aware, aware of everything, aware of our surroundings. Everything that we do sir has its own meaning, its own magic. Seemingly mundane things like the making of a bed, the washing of a dish, the drinking of a cup of tea all have the potential to unlock our awareness. It is these ‘bare bones’ experiences that are the basis of enlightenment in our lives, not expensive retreats that may be full of charlatans. We are often like race horses with blinders on. We mistake tunnel vision for focus. Let your camera get out of focus, color outside the lines, miss your intended train stop.

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4 Taoist masters parted after a meeting. One said "see you next year". Another said, "Next year? Who know what will happen next month?" The third said, "Next month? Who know what will happen tomorrow?" Finally, the oldest and wisest said "My dear friends, who knows what will happen in the next few seconds?"

The world is full of yin and yang, gaining, losing, advancing, retreating. All in balance, all in step with the Tao. No attempts to achieve or conquer, just tides moving in and out.

The origin of the Dao is shrouded in mystery. No one can say for sure. You can't know the unknowable. Don't even try. Let go of fruitless quests and revel in the beauty of now.

Roshi Hogan Says...

To describe the Dao, one word too many, a million words too few

I asked the boy beneath the pines; he said the master's gone alone. Walking somewhere on the mountain; cloud-hidden, whereabouts unknown Blow out the candle and make friends with the darkness

We do not insist our way is the only way, or the best way, merely that it is our way

Good enough is not good enough unless it is good enough.

Wisdom does not float in with the morning tide.

Let the trade winds that blow through your life be that of the Dao

In a world filled with treachery and darkness, the Dao remains the shining light of goodness and truth

Roshi Hogan Biography

When Roshi Hogan was young, there was who the neighbors called "a strange old man" who lived across the alley from him. This 'strange old man' was a former student of a Dao master in China. Becoming friends, Roshi Hogan had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the Tao from him. Such was the beginning of his practice. Roshi Hogan now passes these ancient teachings on to you. He has also had the honor of lecturing nationally, as well as internationally. Roshi Hogan is also an acclaimed artist who has exhibited at many group showings and has held solo exhibitions as well. He also enjoys writing poetry and essays and has had many articles published. His latest endeavor is digital art and photography.